The Collect for the Memorial of St. Pius V, Pope:
“O God, who in your providence raised up Pope Saint Pius the Fifth in your Church that the faith might be safeguarded and more fitting worship be offered to you, grant, through his intercession, that we may participate in your mysteries with lively faith and fruitful charity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.”
Reflection
St. Pius lived during the Protestant rebellion. He became Pope shortly after the council of Trent and is best known for the “Missal of Pius V,” which is basically the same thing as the Extraordinary Form of the Mass now. Thus, the Church’s prayer acknowledges Pius V’s work in preserving doctrine and leading us to have good worship in the Mass. Drawing on that, we ask his prayers and the grace of God that we might live out what he protected and handed on to us.
So, for your daily contribution to the Church’s collection of prayer,
Consider how well you participate in Mass. Do you see it as a sacrifice, a chance to offer yourself to God? Would you go to Mass even if you couldn’t understand the language? Pray for the grace to remain faithful to the Mass and to deepen your understanding of what it is and why we do it. Then spiritually unite that prayer to all the Masses throughout the world today. That way, when the priest says “Let us pray,” you can be a part of that “us” even if you don’t get to attend Mass
Extra Option: Watch and listen to Archbishop Sample’s recent homily about the Extraordinary Form of the Mass. It might help you better appreciate the liturgy that was promoted by St. Pius V. There is not supposed to be a conflict and rupture between that form of the Mass and the current form, known as the “Mass of Paul VI.”
